Roberto Duran vs Juan Roldan

I think Roldan would actually be a great matchup for Duran.

Duran struggled more with movers the higher he went up in weight. A guy like Roldan trying to physically dominate Duran would be ripe for countering and would likely have his strength offset by Duran’s superior accuracy.

It’s the Duran of the 80s though so he might turn up flat, unprepared and unmotivated, in which case all bets are off.

 

So sad Richard and The Morlocks are no longer around.

 

Duran at 160, at 30+ . Too slow, lost to Benitez, Laing. not much footwork. everyone at 160 is now stronger,, faster. I dont see Duran beating top rated middleweights.Benitez couldnt either. I also believe Duran would have lost to Tony Ayala Jr

 

What's up with the amount of people picking Roldan? do they not realize Duran made the guy who ****ed up Roldan foolish for 13 rounds?

Duran by 15rd shutout

 

Duran v Ayala Jnr, Roldan and Benn are fantastic matchups.

A 1986 Olajide jnr too.

 

Roldan was making Hagler look foolish until he had his eye punched shut. How many top ranked middleweights did Duran beat? He almost beat Sims but gassed out late. Roldan would definitely prevail

 

Duran is definetely better I see him winning by decision but he will wins almost all rounds.

 

how is he better at this weight? I can see he definitely slowed down with the extra pounds and he's not as strong. the last time he was anywhere near his best was in the Sugar Ray fight. since then, it was all downhill.

 

Gotta make Duran a heavy favorite. But Roldan was a tough middleweight and I’m sure would give him a good fight.

 

Roldan doesn't have the skill to beat a fit and firing Duran, even at 160. He a big aggressive brute tho, and would make Duran work hard.

I don't see this as an easy night. Duran isn't a big puncher at 160 and will have to slowly but methodically wear him down.

@Tin_Ribs Do you like Duran's chances mate?

 

Hiya John mate. It's a bloody interesting fight, probably a grueller and a great clash of styles. I think I mostly agree with you that Duran might come through to eventually outlayer, outcounter and outgut Roldan over the last third or so, but not before going through the ringer.

Roldan was a real animal at his best when you look at how he bulled and repeatedly got at Hagler early doors before the eye injury, pulled Hearns into a firefight and had him on unsteady legs more than once, mangled a good textbook fighter like Kinchen and destroyed Fletcher etc. Quick, very strong, a big puncher and deceptively accurate and with a sense of timing for someone who repeatedly threw full body haymakers.

You really needed skill, power, guts and endurance to diffuse him. Duran had three of those in abundance but his lack of size and power at the weight would really force him to work and pull out all his tricks. Especially with diminished defensive reflexes despite having the technique to make Roldan miss and swallow counters when he was swinging wildly from the hip as against Hearns etc. That would be an interesting and frantic battle, Duran's advanced slipping, rolling and mid to close range nous against Roldans awkward but heavy and effective clubbing offensive capabilities.

Roldan could be discouraged and frustrated though if opponents didn't go away or wilt early doors. If he couldn't hurt Duran early or force a stoppage.....that's when things might turn against him later in the fight even if Duran didn't have the power to really hurt him.

 

Top post, that covers about everything. It'd be tough. Roldan would put a lot more pressure on him that Barkley. He's a real bull. Duran wouldn't dictate the pacing and how he wanted to roll. It's a top match and a real struggle i think. Duran would have to work hard for almost the entire fight.

 

Duran is vastly superior in skill. Roldan is naturally much bigger and stronger. Duran would have to be in top shape and box smartly. If Duran is in prime condition he should be able to potshot and win a decision. If he is not in prime shape Roldan will overpower him for a decision